ripple effect

American  

noun

1. a spreading effect or series of consequences caused by a single action or event.

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ripple effect British  

noun

1. the repercussions of an event or situation experienced far beyond its immediate location

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Etymology

Origin of ripple effect

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ripple effect

"Kids today just think it's a video game, and if they crash, there's no consequences, there's no ripple effect, they'll just brush themselves off and drive off again," she said.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026

For Goldman, restrictions in the U.S. would have a ripple effect across diesel prices internationally, with each week of the ban lifting European diesel prices by just below 2%.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026

As for third-order impacts, at this point the blow to global bond markets from higher inflation fears must already be counted as one such ripple effect.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026

That’s the kind of ripple effect that such wanton enabling can have, even if it’s not intentional.

From Salon ● Aug. 8, 2026

“I just want to complete my original mission. That ripple effect he’s so worried about”—he pointed at JB jeeringly—“pah! You won’t even feel it!”

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix